Bookworm Bay Festival
Authors & Vendors
Join us on February 8, 2025 from 8 am to 3 pm at Brickhouse Catering and Events in Lake Charles, LA for a day filled with stories, creativity and community. The Festival is a family-friendly celebrating of the magic of storytelling. We will have Children’s Story Time, Face Painting, Balloon Animals, a donation based Dress Up Station, Fundraisers for the Literacy Council of SWLA, 80+ fantasy authors and vendors, and so much more!
Explore the bios, photos, and logos of our featured authors and vendors below. We look forward to seeing you at the Bookworm Bay Festival!
Authors
Kay Leyda
Kay Leyda has been an avid reader since she was young, starting with books like A Wrinkle in Time and The Trickster's Choice. Over the years, her love of fantasy, romance, and magic has only grown. She wrote short stories and poetry all throughout her school years, including a writing class in college. As a Chicago native who moved to Florida in her early 20s, Kay has definitely been influenced by her years of working at Walt Disney World. Her love of fairytales, princesses, and true love continues to grow. Of Seafoam and Saltwater: The Piscea Chronicles is her debut Young Adult Fantasy about mermaids, a mysterious Sea Witch, and breaking generational curses. She currently lives in Texas with her husband and is working on the second Piscea book.
C.D. Britt
C.D. Britt began her writing journey when her husband told her she needed to use her excessive imagination to write stories as opposed to creating a daily narrative for him. Ever since she penned her first words, life has been a lot more peaceful for him.
She currently resides in Texas where she has yet to adapt to the heat. Her husband thrives in it, so unfortunately, they will not be relocating to colder climates anytime soon.
Their two young children would honestly complain either way.
When she is not in her writing cave (hiding from the sun), she enjoys ignoring the world as much as her children will allow with a good book, music, and vast amounts of coffee (until it’s time for wine).
Mandie Thompson
Mandie Thompson is a passionate author specializing in Paranormal Young Adult Reverse Harem novels. Known for her captivating stories and evolving writing style, Mandie has penned notable works such as The Left Hook, Eve's Fury, and The Beta Secret. Her novels often explore intense themes with a first-person, present tense narrative that draws readers into the heart of the action.
By day, Mandie works full-time in Human Resources at a Behavioral Treatment Facility for Juvenile Offenders. She graduated in 2010 with an Associate's degree and brings a wealth of life experience to her writing. Her stories are not just a journey into the supernatural but also delve into mature, real-world situations that resonate with her readers.
When she's not crafting compelling tales, Mandie enjoys creating intricate diamond art paintings and dedicates her time to helping others. A devoted mother of two wonderful children and happily married for over 20 years, she balances her professional, creative, and personal life with remarkable skill.
Mandie has several exciting projects on the horizon, including Uppercut, Eve’s Fight, The Huntress, and many more! Stay connected with Mandie and follow her latest updates on TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Lemon8, or visit her website at www.mandiethompson.com
Ariel Dawn
USA Today Bestselling Author Ariel Dawn is a real life mermaid and self-professed geek with a penchant for a good book and a strong cup of coffee (or tea!). Ariel writes plot driven paranormal romance, monster romance, reverse harem, and urban fantasy featuring feisty heroines, sinfully delicious heroes, and neurodivergent besties. As a fellow neurodivergent, when she isn't writing, she can be found cosplaying, attending conventions, or creating all sorts of artwork in her studio. She loves hanging out with family and friends as well as playing video games and board games with her retro gamer husband.
Sarah Zane
Sarah is an author of happy endings for traumatized queers. She is a bisexual feminist and a licensed therapist. Her books often deal with themes of feminism, trauma, sexuality, and mental health. She lives in New England with her 2 black cats named Gatsby and Mr. Darcy. When she isn't writing, she can be found perusing a book in her home library that features over 400 books, making chaotic book themed videos for TikTok (aka Booktok), taking forest walks, visiting castles, planning exotic trips she can't afford, or cuddled up with one of her cats crying over fictional characters or yelling at them about how badly they need therapy.
Octavia Penn
About The Author
As a new upcoming indie author that absolutely loves to read and write fiction. I can't wait to share my minds stories with you. The work I take from my imagination, but also some from my real life experiences. My first book release will be this fall with my debut novel Buried Lies. This story is fictional with some amazing characters. Hope you all enjoy the reading journey.
About the Owner
2023 seemed to pass me up sitting still and with that being said... most of the events that I had wanted to attend and support had already sold out or past so I decided to create this new Business adventure that will support all creators of book and book events.
Welcome to the House Of Penn Publishing and Events.
About The Wife and Mother
My life has led me to be a loving wife and mother of two. I also served in the Armed Forces as a Logistics Sergeant. Following the military life I went to school and became a Phlebotomist and worked as a Labratory Assistant for 2 years. Then the pandemic hit and life changed and I found a new way to entertain my life. Now I am pursuing my love and adventure of stories through books.
Haydn Hubbard
Haydn Hubbard is a North Carolina native who spends most of her time daydreaming of worlds filled with love, magic, and occasionally dragons. The King’s Queen is her debut fantasy series and the first of many to come. She has since dabbled in queer and dark romance, and plans to continue in both genres. When Haydn is not writing she can be found competing with her horses, in any local coffee shop, or anywhere where there is a dog.
Tara Gabrys
Tara Gabrys was born and raised in the suburbs of Chicago, Illinois, and graduated from Elmhurst University. She was raised with a passion for telling stories through dance into adulthood. She has since found that telling story through writing is much like a dance of words. She is most happy when surrounded by nature or near the sea. UNDER A VIOLET MOON is her debut novel with THE FALL OF SNOW to be released in October of 2024. In her downtime, if she isn’t ravenously reading, she is spending time with her husband, children, and chocolate lab. You can find updates on the latest on Instagram @tarangabrys
CW Rose
C.W. Rose is a Fantasy and Romance author who writes about ordinary Asian women in extraordinary situations, and find themselves, and sometimes—okay, usually—love along the way, and the cinnamon roll (not always human) men who adore them. She is also a certified scuba diver and lifeguard with a deep love for the world and animals around us, though she hasn’t spotted any mermaids yet. Outside of writing, you can find her buried in a great book, learning to sing in different languages, and finding any excuse to spend time outdoors. She’s also a third culture kid who grew up in Singapore, and currently lives in New York City with her family, working as a Physical Therapist.
Rebecca Fazzio
Rebecca Fazzio has been a reader for as long as she could sound out words and a writer since her short story about a dinosaur won first place in a kindergarten contest.
When she isn’t getting lost in fictional worlds, others and her own, she is the mom of three kids, a lizard, and a cat and the wife of a guy who supports all of her various hobbies…of which there are many. Thanks ADHD.
Dakota Brimage
Dakota Brimage is a Dark Fantasy author who writes about love and self-discovery. What would people endure and what would they sacrifice to keep it. When she's not writing Dakota can be found huddled under blankets, eating too many Reese Peanut Butter Cups and binge watching Harry Potter with her husband and two little boys.
Vendors
I’m Joanna, and I’m the owner of Crafty Butterflies! I am a military spouse based out of Ft Johnson, LA. I hand craft book pillows in variety of fun patterns. This business originated from my love of crafting, sewing, and my love for reading. In addition to my love of sewing and reading, I also enjoy crocheting, painting ceramics, and cooking!
Let me take a moment to introduce ourselves! I am a Christian, wife, mom, and educator that works full time. My girls(Lauren and Taylor)and I (Jennifer) make up the 3-in our business name “In Our Spare Time 3”! We love all things antique and vintage! That passion fuels our business of creating items through repurposing. We offer tea cup candles, spoon rings, flatware and broken china jewelry, and macrame!
Step into a realm of wonder with Willow and Crow Books. Come ready to explore the range of custom sprayed edge books, journals, and custom book rebinds to bring a touch of magic to your bookshelves.
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